Women and girls with haemophilia and bleeding tendencies: Outcomes related to menstruation, pregnancy, surgery and other bleeding episodes from a retrospective chart review

Bleeding risk in hemophilia A and B carriers: comparison of factor levels determined using chronometric and chromogenic assays

BACKGROUND

Predicting the bleeding risk in hemophilia A and B carriers (HAC, HBC) is challenging.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to describe the bleeding phenotype in HAC and HBC using the standardized Tosetto bleeding score (BS); to determine whether the BS correlates better with factor levels measured with a chromogenic assay than with factor levels measured with chronometric and thrombin generation assays; and to compare the results in HAC and HBC.

METHODS

This ambispective, noninterventional study included obligate and sporadic HAC and HBC followed at a hemophilia treatment center between 1995 and 2019.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The median BS (3, range 0-21 vs. 3.5, range 0-15, P  = ns, respectively) and the abnormal BS rate (35.6% vs. 38.2%, P  = ns) were not significantly different in 104 HAC and 34 HBC (mean age: 38 years, 6-80 years). However, some differences were identified. The risk of factor deficiency was higher in HBC than HAC. Specifically, Factor VIII activity (FVIII):C/Factor IX activity (FIX):C level was low (<40 IU/dl) in 18.3% (chronometric assay) and 17.5% (chromogenic assay) of HAC and in 47% and 72.2% of HBC ( P  < 0.001). Moreover, the FIX:C level thresholds of 39.5 IU/dl (chronometric assay) and of 33.5 IU/dl (chromogenic assay) were associated with very good sensitivity (92% and 100%, respectively) and specificity (80% for both) for bleeding risk prediction in HBC. Conversely, no FVIII:C level threshold could be identified for HAC, probably due to FVIII:C level variations throughout life.

Identifying hemophilia B carriers: Utility of aPTT, factor IX levels and ratios of factor IX to other Vitamin K dependent factors

INTRODUCTION

Diagnosing hemophilia B (HB) carrier status is important to manage bleeding in carriers and to prevent bleeding in potential offspring. Without a family history of hemophilia, diagnosing HB carrier status is challenging. Genetic testing is the gold-standard, however it is reserved for individuals with a high suspicion of carrier status.

AIMS

To describe the distribution of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and factor IX coagulant (FIX:C) levels in HB carriers and assess the ratio of FIX:C to other Vitamin K dependent factors (FII:C, FVII:C, FX:C) as an indicator of HB carrier status.

METHODS

In this retrospective, single-centre cohort study, subjects were included if they were obligate or genetically proven HB carriers. Distributions of aPTT and FIX:C were described and the relationship between FIX:C levels in carriers and severity of familial HB was analysed. Ratios of FIX:C to FII:C, FVII:C, FX:C were calculated.

RESULTS

Seventy-two female HB carriers (median age: 34 years; IQR 24-43) were included. Median aPTT and FIX:C levels were 33.0 s [IQR 30.0-37.0] and 57 IU/dL [IQR 43-74]. Fifteen carriers (21%) had mild HB (FIX:C levels of 10-40 IU/dL). FIX:C levels trended higher in carriers of mild HB versus carriers of moderate/severe HB. In six carriers, the median ratio of FIX:C to other Vitamin K dependent factors was 0.44, with 92% of ratios being ≤ 0.75.

CONCLUSION

aPTT and FIX:C levels were unreliable in diagnosing HB carrier status. A low ratio of FIX:C to other Vitamin K dependent factors may be a useful marker of HB carrier status.

The current challenges faced by people with hemophilia B

Hemophilia B (HB) is a rare, hereditary disease caused by a defect in the gene encoding factor IX (FIX) and leads to varying degrees of coagulation deficiency. The prevailing treatment for people with HB (PWHB) is FIX replacement product. The advent of recombinant coagulation products ushered in a new era of safety, efficacy, and improved availability compared with plasma-derived products. For people with severe HB, lifelong prophylaxis with a FIX replacement product is standard of care. Development of extended half-life FIX replacement products has allowed for advancements in the care of these PWHB. Nonetheless, lifelong need for periodic dosing and complex surveillance protocols pose substantive challenges in terms of access, adherence, and healthcare resource utilization. Further, some PWHB on prophylactic regimens continue to experience breakthrough bleeds and joint damage, and subpopulations of PWHB, including women, those with mild-to-moderate HB, and those with inhibitors to FIX, experience additional unique difficulties. This review summarizes the current challenges faced by PWHB, including the unique subpopulations; identifying the need for improved awareness, personalized care strategies, and new therapeutic options for severe HB, which may provide future solutions for some of the remaining unmet needs of PWHB.

Genome editing of patient-derived iPSCs identifies a deep intronic variant causing aberrant splicing in hemophilia A

The importance of genetic diagnosis for patients with hemophilia has been recently demonstrated. However, the pathological variant cannot be identified in some patients. Here, we aimed to identify the pathogenic intronic variant causing hemophilia A using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients and genome editing. We analyzed siblings with moderate hemophilia A and without abnormalities in the F8 exon. Next-generation sequencing of the entire F8 revealed 23 common intron variants. Variant effect predictor software indicated that the deep intronic variant at c.5220-8563A>G (intron 14) might act as a splicing acceptor. We developed iPSCs from patients and used genome editing to insert the elongation factor 1α promoter to express F8 messenger RNA (mRNA). Then, we confirmed the existence of abnormal F8 mRNA derived from aberrant splicing, resulting in a premature terminal codon as well as a significant reduction in F8 mRNA in iPSCs due to nonsense-mediated RNA decay. Gene repair by genome editing recovered whole F8 mRNA expression. Introduction of the intron variant into human B-domain-deleted F8 complementary DNA suppressed factor VIII (FVIII) activity and produced abnormal FVIII lacking the light chain in HEK293 cells. Furthermore, genome editing of the intron variant restored FVIII production. In summary, we have directly proven that the deep intronic variant in F8 results in aberrant splicing, leading to abnormal mRNA and nonsense-mediated RNA decay. Additionally, genome editing targeting the variant restored F8 mRNA and FVIII production. Our approach could be useful not only for identifying causal variants but also for verifying the therapeutic effect of personalized genome editing.

Racial and ethnic differences in reported haemophilia death rates in the United States

INTRODUCTION

People with haemophilia's life expectancies have improved over time. Whether progress has been experienced equitably is unknown.

AIM

To examine recorded haemophilia death (rHD) rates according to race and ethnicity in the United States (US).

METHODS

In this cohort study, rHDs were examined with US National Vital Statistics' 1999-2020 Multiple Cause-of-Death data. rHD was defined as having a haemophilia A (D66) or B (D67) ICD-10 code in the death certificate (underlying or multiple causes of death). Age-adjusted rHD rates were compared with age-adjusted rate ratios (aRR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI).

RESULTS

There were 3115 rHDs in males with an rHD rate of 0.98 per 1 million males. Between 1999 and 2020, rHD rates declined by 46% in NH (Non-Hispanic) White, 44% in NH Black (aRR = 0.56, 95%CI 0.43, 0.74), and 42% in Hispanic (aRR = 0.58, 95%CI 0.39, 0.88) males. However, rHD rates remained higher and were on average 30% greater in NH Black versus NH White males (aRR = 1.30 95% CI 1.16, 1.46). Among males with rHD, the median age at death rose from 54.5 to 65.5 years between 1999 and 2020 and was 12 years lower in NH Black (56 years) versus NH White (68 years) males in 2010-2020. There were 930 females with rHD, with an age-adjusted rate of 0.22 per 1 million females, which was consistent between 1999 and 2020.

CONCLUSION

Reported haemophilia-death rates improved in males across all race/ethnicities, but rates were higher Black versus White males. Given the inherent limitations of the current study's data source, further investigation of survival rates and disparities in haemophilia are needed.

Closing the Diagnostic Gap in Adolescents and Young Adult Women With Bleeding Disorders: Missed Opportunities

Approximately 2% of the general population have an underlying inherited bleeding disorder, which, for adolescents and young adult women, has both physical risks and adverse psychosocial effects. Heavy menstrual bleeding can be the first sign of an underlying bleeding disorder such as von Willebrand disease and the X-linked bleeding disorders hemophilia A and B. Connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, in particular the hypermobile subtype, are relatively frequent in the general population and can also cause bleeding symptoms from impaired hemostasis due to defective collagen. For more than 20 years, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has recommended screening adolescents and young adult women for bleeding disorders when they present with heavy menstrual bleeding. Despite this directive, there is a significant gap from symptom onset to time of diagnosis in this patient population. We must work to effectively close this diagnostic gap by consistently obtaining thorough bleeding histories, performing the appropriate laboratory evaluations, working collaboratively with hematologists, and using tools and materials promoted by ACOG. Improved screening and earlier diagnosis of these individuals can have far-reaching effects that are not limited to heavy menstrual bleeding management and extend to peripartum considerations and prenatal counseling.

Clotting Factor Deficiencies as an Underlying Cause of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Women of Reproductive Age: A Literature Review

Clotting Factor deficiencies are rare disorders with variations in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to mild to life-threatening bleeding. Thus, they pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, mainly for the primary health care providers, general practitioners, and gynecologists who are more likely to first encounter these patients. An additional diagnostic challenge arises from the variable laboratory presentations, as PT, PTT, and BT are not always affected. The morbidity is higher among women of reproductive age since Abnormal Uterine Bleeding-specifically Heavy Menstrual Bleeding-is one of the most prevalent manifestations of these disorders, and in some cases of severe deficiencies has led to life-threatening episodes of bleeding requiring blood transfusions or even immediate surgical intervention. Physician awareness is important as, in the case of some of these disorders-i.e., Factor XIII deficiency-prophylactic treatment is available and recommended. Although uncommon, the potential for rare bleeding disorders and for hemophilia carrier states should be considered in women with HMB, after more prevalent causes have been excluded. Currently, there is no consensus on the management of women in these instances and it is reliant on the physicians' knowledge.

Evaluation of clinical characteristics, health care resource utilization, and cost outcomes of hemophilia A carriers and noncarriers in the United States: A real-world comparative analysis

BACKGROUND: Hemophilia A is often viewed as a male disease; females are usually considered asymptomatic hemophilia A carriers. However, hemophilia A carriers may experience mild-to-severe bleeding events. OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical characteristics, health care resource utilization, and costs incurred by hemophilia A carriers compared with a non-hemophilia A carrier female control population in the United States. METHODS: This retrospective observational cohort study used data from IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters and Multi-State Medicaid Databases from January 1, 2016, to September 30, 2019. Patients with a hemophilia A carrier diagnosis were matched to a non-hemophilia A carrier female control group in a 1:2 ratio based on sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy status, and insurance type. Billed annualized bleed rates, health care resource utilization, and annualized costs were evaluated. Generalized linear models compared annualized total costs in the hemophilia A carrier and control groups. RESULTS: After matching, the hemophilia A carrier group included 121 (Commercial) and 55 (Medicaid) patients, matched 1:2 in the control group. Patients in the hemophilia A carrier group (compared with the control group) had numerically higher joint-related health issues (Commercial: 11.6% vs 7.9%; Medicaid: 7.3% vs 4.5%) and lower soft-tissue disorders (Commercial: 13.2% vs 17.4%; Medicaid: 12.7% vs 14.5%). Musculoskeletal pain was higher (33.1% vs 31.0%) and lower (21.8% vs 25.5%) in the Commercial and Medicaid databases, respectively. Billed annualized bleed rates were higher in the hemophilia A carrier group (Commercial: 0.49 vs 0.33; Medicaid: 0.50 vs 0.29). Significantly more patients in the hemophilia A carrier group had minor bleeds (Commercial: 34.7% vs 22.3% [P = 0.001]; Medicaid: 43.6% vs 20.0% [P < 0.001]) and spontaneous bleeds (Commercial: 35.5% vs 21.5%; Medicaid: 47.3% vs 23.6% [P < 0.001 for both]). Outpatient visits represented the majority of health care resource utilization and were higher in the hemophilia A carrier group for all-cause and bleed-related claims; although less frequent, emergency department and inpatient visits followed a similar trend. In the Commercial and Medicaid databases, hemophilia A carriers incurred approximately 2 times higher mean (SD) all-cause health care total costs than patients in the control group (Commercial: $15,345 [21,871] vs $8,358 [11,939] per patient per year [PPPY]; Medicaid: $9,022 [19,461] vs $4,533 [9,532] PPPY). CONCLUSIONS: Hemophilia A carriers experienced more complications and incurred higher costs (resulting from more outpatient, emergency department, and inpatient visits) compared with patients in the control group. These data suggest that hemophilia A carriers have a high disease and economic burden and may benefit from early diagnosis and management to prevent long-term complications. DISCLOSURES: Dr Xing, Dr Bullano, Dr Caicedo, and Mr Farahbakhshian are employees of Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., hold Takeda stocks, and have been granted restricted stock shares; Drs Xing and Caicedo received support from Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., for travel to THSNA 2022, where the data included in this manuscript were presented. Dr Batt received consulting fees from Complete HEOR Solutions (CHEORS) LLC for the protocol development, data analysis, and interpretation of this study; she also holds stocks from Merck and Sanofi. Ms Kuharic is an employee of the University of Illinois at Chicago and has been supported by a Takeda fellowship during the execution of the study. Ms Chakladar and Ms Markan were employees of CHEORS LLC at the time of the study. CHEORS has received funding from Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., for conducting the analysis of this study. This study was funded by Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. The sponsor was involved in the study design; collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; development and review of the manuscript; and decision to submit manuscript to publication.

Women and girls with haemophilia: A retrospective cohort study in China

INTRODUCTION

Women and girls with haemophilia (WGH) may have spontaneous/traumatic bleeding similar to that in males with haemophilia, and in addition excessive bleeding during menstruation and delivery.

AIM

To characterize WGH in China and provide guidance for better management.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the characteristics of WGH registered in the Haemophilia Treatment Center Collaborative Network of China (HTCCNC) Registry, including demographics, diagnosis and treatment, bleeding characteristics, obstetrical and gynaecological experiences, and surgical history.

RESULTS

A total of 61 females had confirmed haemophilia. Diagnosis and treatment were typically delayed, longer in mild haemophilia than in severe and moderate. The most frequently reported bleeding manifestations were haemarthrosis in severe and moderate patients, and cutaneous bleeding in mild patients. Among 45 postmenarcheal WGH, 21 (46.7%) had history of heavy menstrual bleeding, but only three received treatments. Prenatal diagnosis and management of perinatal haemorrhage were inadequate. Of 34 deliveries in 30 women, nine deliveries were complicated by postpartum haemorrhage, and 22 offspring carried mutations causing haemophilia. Forty-four surgical procedures were performed in 29 patients. Those procedures receiving preoperative coagulation factors coverage were significantly less likely to have excessive bleeding than those who did not (P = .003).

CONCLUSION

This is the first and largest study describing WGH in China. There are currently deficiencies in the identification, diagnosis, and management of these patients. Improving health insurance policies, establishing haemophilia centres, and multidisciplinary teams for bleeding and perinatal or perioperative management will help reduce morbidity and mortality.

Building the foundation for a community-generated national research blueprint for inherited bleeding disorders: research to advance the health of people with inherited bleeding disorders with the potential to menstruate

BACKGROUND

People who have or had the potential to menstruate (PPM) with inherited bleeding disorders (BD) face particular challenges receiving appropriate diagnosis and care and participating in research. As part of an initiative to create a National Research Blueprint for future decades of research, the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) and American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network conducted extensive all-stakeholder consultations to identify the priorities of PPM with inherited BDs and those who care for them.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Working group (WG) 4 of the NHF State of the Science Research Summit distilled community-identified priorities for PPM with inherited BDs into concrete research questions and scored their feasibility, impact, and risk.

RESULTS

WG4 identified important gaps in the foundational knowledge upon which to base optimal diagnosis and care for PPM with inherited BDs. They defined 44 top-priority research questions concerning lifespan sex biology, pregnancy and the post-partum context, uterine physiology and bleeding, bone and joint health, health care delivery, and patient-reported outcomes and quality-of-life.

CONCLUSIONS

The needs of PPM will best be advanced with research designed across the spectrum of sex and gender biology, with methodologies and outcome measures tailored to this population, involving them throughout.

Prophylaxis use of clotting factor replacement products in people with non-severe haemophilia: A review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

People with non-severe haemophilia appear to be under-treated in many countries, and this may lead to joint damage and worsen quality of life.

AIM

To review literature for clotting factor replacement prophylaxis in people with non-severe haemophilia A and B (HA/HB) in relation to long-term outcomes to support clinical decision-making.

METHODS

A targeted literature search was performed to identify studies published between 2000 and 2021 that included prophylaxis in people with non-severe HA/HB and long-term outcomes, including annualized bleeding rates, joint health and quality of life.

RESULTS

Although eligible articles included 2737 and 2272 people with mild or moderate HA, respectively, only 22% (n = 609) and 29% (n = 668) reported treatment regimens. A total of 549 people with moderate HA were treated with factor replacement prophylaxis and were from high-income countries. On the contrary, nearly all people with mild HA received desmopressin (n = 599). Details of treatment regimens for women with haemophilia and people with HB were sparse. Three studies provided long-term outcomes for people with moderate haemophilia who received prophylaxis with factor concentrate, supporting early prophylaxis in people with a frequent bleeding phenotype regardless of their endogenous clotting factor level to preserve joint health.

CONCLUSION

There remain large knowledge gaps when considering how to provide optimal treatment for people with non-severe haemophilia. Nonetheless, there is a strong rationale that prophylaxis should be considered early in life according to similar strategies as for severe haemophilia for those with a frequent severe bleeding phenotype.

Health issues in women and girls affected by haemophilia with a focus on nomenclature, heavy menstrual bleeding, and musculoskeletal issues

Introduction

Women and girls affected by haemophilia, including haemophilia carriers (WGH) are at risk of bleeding symptoms that may go unrecognized, including heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and musculoskeletal bleeding. Terminology continues to evolve.

Aim

To describe the current recommendations for nomenclature surrounding WGH, and the current understanding of HMB, iron deficiency, and musculoskeletal complaints in these patients.

Methods

Literature was reviewed and summarized.

Results

With regards to nomenclature, women with factor levels less than 50% should be classified as having haemophilia, while carriers with normal levels should be characterized accordingly to symptomatology. HMB and resultant iron deficiency are common among WGH, have a multitude of downstream effects, and maybe overlooked due to stigma around menstruation. Musculoskeletal bleeding and resultant joint changes are increasingly recognized in this population but do not necessarily correlate with factor levels.

Conclusion

Although progress has been made in the care of WGH, much work remains to further improve their care.

Bleeding Disorders in Women and Girls: State of the Science and CDC Collaborative Programs

Women and girls with bleeding disorders experience abnormal and excessive bleeding that can negatively impact their overall health and quality of life. In this report, we provide an overview of the biology, types, clinical care, and state of the science related to bleeding disorders in girls and women and describe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) activities related to (1) surveillance of bleeding disorders in women; (2) scientific review, research, and collaboration to inform health care gaps in identifying and caring for women with bleeding disorders; and (3) development of health promotion and education programs to bring awareness about bleeding disorders to both women and girls in the population at large and various health care providers who care for women. Findings generated from surveillance and research activities inform the development of new public health programs aimed at improving diagnostic and health care services and empowering women with bleeding disorders with the knowledge they need to navigate a complex health care system with the need for specialty care services. Additional work is needed to improve provider awareness and understanding of the unique needs of women and girls with bleeding disorders to achieve appropriate care and treatment and ensure optimal outcomes and quality of life.

The Clinical Genetics of Hemophilia B (Factor IX Deficiency)

Hemophilia B (HB) is a bleeding disorder caused by deficiency of or defect in blood coagulation factor IX (FIX) inherited in an X-linked manner. It results from one of over 1000 known pathogenic variants in the FIX gene, F9; missense and frameshift changes predominate. Although primarily males are affected with HB, heterozygous females may have excessive bleeding due to random or non-random X chromosome inactivation; in addition, homozygous, compound heterozygous, and hemizygous females have been reported. Somatic and germinal mosaicism for F9 variants has been observed. Development of antibodies to FIX treatment products (inhibitors) is rare and related to the type of causative variant present. Treatment is with products produced by recombinant DNA technology, and gene therapy is in clinical trials. Genetic counseling with up-to-date information is warranted for heterozygotes, potential heterozygotes, and men and women affected with HB.

Integrated Hemophilia Patient Care via a National Network of Care Centers in the United States: A Model for Rare Coagulation Disorders

Rare, chronic diseases such as hemophilia and other congenital coagulation disorders require coordinated delivery of services for optimal outcomes. Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTCs) are specialized, multidisciplinary health-care centers providing team-based care to meet the physical, psychosocial, and emotional needs of people with hemophilia (PWH) and may serve as a model for other rare coagulation disorders. Health-care purchasers, as well as the general medical community, may not appreciate the breadth and quality of services provided by HTCs. They exemplify the acculturalization and actualization of integrated care by providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services that reduce morbidity, mortality, avoidable emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and overall costs, while promoting a longer lifespan and improved patient functioning and outcomes. This is accomplished by a team-based approach relying upon a shared decision-making model to effectively prevent complications and manage symptoms in PWH, who are dependent on high-cost treatments. This article provides a concise yet comprehensive description of the core components of an HTC and the regional and national networks in the United States, which together achieve their incomparable value for all stakeholders.

Regulation and importance of factor VIII levels in hemophilia A carriers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize the recent literature related to female hemophilia A carriers with respect to prevalence in the population, the impact of baseline factor VIII levels and other influences on bleeding phenotype, and clinical management needs.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many female hemophilia A carriers are at risk for abnormal bleeding, yet they are underrecognized by healthcare providers and their bleeding symptoms are underreported. Low FVIII levels are consistently associated with clinically significant bleeding and correlate well with skewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI). Most interestingly, bleeding tendency is also observed in some hemophilia A carriers with normal factor VIII levels and requires further investigation. Well controlled studies investigating peripartum and periprocedural FVIII levels and adequate hemostatic treatment are necessary to inform management guidelines.

SUMMARY

Prevalence and bleeding tendency of hemophilia A carriers remain underreported, despite a significant proportion having low FVIII levels. Skewed XCI may explain low FVIII but does not explain the bleeding risk encountered in a larger proportion of hemophilia A carriers with random XCI and borderline/normal FVIII.